Mike and I are back from the Middle East! We had an amazing time and we want to thank all of you who expressed concern for us. Since my blog is in no way political, I won’t get into the issues that are going on over there right now, but I will say that never at any point did we feel as though we were in harm’s way. While there, we experienced quite a different scenario than the picture that the news painted; all I have to say is that in a world where television ratings are valued higher than truth, be careful what you believe on the news. And get a second (or third) source if you can.

I’m thrilled because I have tons of pictures to share with you: pictures of old places, landmarks, markets, and foods. I’m planning to divide the pictures into different categories and spread out the posts so they’re not overwhelming, and interspersed with the pictures I may add little tidbits of culture or information. Of course, my first batch of pictures is mainly of food…after all, that’s what my blog is all about. ;)

And I just have to say, I MISSED YOU ALL! (And I’m looking forward to catching up on reading your blogs!)

The Souk Al Hamidiyah is a huge bazaar in Damascus, Syria that sells just about anything and everything you could ever want. Inside and outside the Souk…

A few of the foods being sold inside and outside the Souk…

Apricot Leather (Qamar al Din) is used to make drinks and desserts.

Raw (green) almonds are sold as street fare, typically eaten with a sprinkle of salt. To me, they taste very similar to an unripe nectarine (but in a pleasant way :) ).

Yerba Mate is a hot herbal drink that’s drunk from a small, gourd-shaped cup and sipped through a metal filtered straw. It came from South America and is now very popular in Syria…

A Selection of Yerba Mate Cups and Straws

Bakdash is the ice cream parlor I mentioned in this post. Their Éma’a is incredible…

Faith, I almost died without you! OK, obviously that’s not true, but I really felt your departure more than I expected. And I’m so glad you’re back!!! I actually never even considered you might be in harm’s way–what was going on where you were? Were you near Egypt? I’m really geography stupid so I’ll blame that for my obliviousness. Well, I’m glad you made it back OK, despite whatever turmoil was happening near you. Welcome home! The pictures are soooo incredible. I love the way they sell things out of rolled-down bags!

What beautiful pictures! I love getting to see things like these, I would love to experience them at some point in my life! Glad to hear your trip was so good despite the troubles going on. And can’t wait to see more pictures :D

Glad you both arrived back safely, I know you wouldn’t have missed this trip for the world. Your pictures are lovely, and make me want to visit Syria too. I look forward to sharing some of your family recipes!

I’m so excited your back Faith, I wasn’t worried for you (much) I was pretty sure most of what is blasted across the world is yet another media deal, BUT…, its awesome to hear all the same. Now., onto the good stuff. The photos……. OMG!!!! I’m about to dash off to work, but I’m coming back again this afternoon for some serious drooling girl, its like a little window into a world I’ll probably never see, but all those spices, all that culture, the architecture. I can’t wait for more pics of your holiday. Happy homecoming :)

Welcome back, Faith! The photos you’ve shared here are amazing and I look forward to seeing so much more. It’s good to hear that what we see on the news here is not the whole picture and that one should always seek other sources of information – well said.

wow! Love the pictures! I love how underneath the label for each herb it says what it is good for; I noticed a bag of sage that said “Lebanese sage”. Very cool, I know people in Lebanon who go there all the time and one lady who buys her fabrics there (she is a decorator). Glad you had a great time!

I’m so glad to have backtracked on some of your missed posts…especially this outstanding one with the breathtaking photos. You captured the essence of the people through their amazing myriad of treats and I for one am rinsing my eyes from them.

Faith, I glad you’re home safe and that you had a lovely time with Hubby ;o)

Glad to hear that you and Mike are home safe and sound, even though you said you never felt you were ever in harm’s way. Sorry I’m so late at commenting. I’m trying to catch up on my blog reading from our vacation.

Wow! Look at all those amazing photos you took. I am dying to have that ice cream right now. And those chips looks to tempting. Can you imagine, freshly fried chips? Sorry you didn’t get a chance to try them though. Can’t wait to see more pics. Glad to have you back!

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Hello! I’m Faith and I write An Edible Mosaic. This is my recipe collection of international favorites and updated American classics, with an emphasis on seasonal dishes. I focus on real foods that sustain body and mind, bring people together, and make a house a home. Welcome to my mosaic of recipes.